OECD Handbook for Internationally Comparative Education Statistics
Concepts, Standards, Definitions and Classifications
For well over two decades, the OECD has developed and published a broad range of comparative
indicators published yearly in the flagship publication Education at a Glance. These
provide insights into the functioning of education systems, such as the participation
and progress through education, the human and financial resources invested, and the
economic and social outcomes associated with educational attainment. Through the set
of harmonised indicators and definitions, they enable countries to view their education
system in the light of other countries’ performance, practices and resources.
Fundamental to the credibility and understanding of these comparisons are the concepts,
definitions, classifications and methodologies that have been developed over the years
to underpin the statistics and indicators. This Handbook draws these methodologies
together in a single reference volume, complementing and providing an invaluable aid
to users of Education at a Glance. In doing so, the Handbook aims to facilitate
a greater understanding of the education statistics and indicators produced and so
allow for their more effective use in policy analysis. Equally, it provides a ready
reference of international standards and conventions for others to follow in the collection
and assimilation of educational data.
This edition updates the OECD Handbook for Internationally Comparative Education Statistics,
last published in May 2004.
Published on September 12, 2017Also available in: French